Federal Period
Foreman of a Jury Finding a Woman Guilty of Stealing and Punishment by “5 Stripes” of the Whip! Nathaniel Shepard
April 1795-Dated Federal Period, Manuscript Court Document, Woman Guilty of Stealing to get 5 Stripes of the Whip!, Signed by Nathaniel Shepard as Jury Foremen, a Massachusetts Minuteman who Marched in response to the Alarm of April 19, 1775 (the Battle of Lexington and Concord), at Boston, Very Fine.
Original Manuscript Document Signed, “Nath Shepard, Foreman” measuring 7” x 6” written on clean period laid paper. Also Signed by J. Phillips, Atty. One very small fold hole near center right is reinforced with archival tape. This Document relays in excellent detail, describing the crime committed by a Mary Williams of Boston, being a single woman. She committed a crime with force of arms by breaking and entering, and stealing some items. She has been found and “Plead Guilty,” the reverse side being so noted along with her severe punishment, reading: “5 Stripes - Payable Damages - Pay Cash” for the damages she caused. A very harsh punishment for a single woman and extraordinary!